Kuwait Ministry orders Souq Sharq closure; tenants must vacate / Image: File
A major change is coming to one of Kuwait City’s most iconic destinations, Souq Sharq (Sharq Market). Wafra Real Estate Company, which manages the facility, has issued a formal warning to all commercial tenants and investors. The order demands that all leased and invested units be vacated, stripped of all furniture and goods, and handed over empty. The final, strict deadline for this massive move is January 31, 2026. This decisive move signals a major transformation for the landmark seafront facility.
Tenants get the final eviction notice
If you run a shop, cafe, or business in the commercial wing of Souq Sharq (Sharq Market), you just got the bad news. Wafra Real Estate Company, which manages the stunning waterfront property, has issued a non-negotiable notice to all tenants and investors.The message is clear: You must clear out everything. This means removing all your stock, furniture, and fittings. The absolute final day for handing back the empty unit is January 31, 2026.This is a massive deal, not just for the owners of the businesses but for the thousands of employees whose livelihoods depend on the mall. It signals a complete shutdown of the retail, dining, and commercial activities that have defined this landmark for years.
The state stepping in
Naturally, everyone is asking: Why now? The eviction isn’t a landlord’s decision to simply raise rent. Wafra Real Estate, which belongs to the Public Institution for Social Security, confirmed that the order is coming straight from the top: the Ministry of Finance.This official request from the Ministry strongly suggests that the site isn’t just closing for renovations. Instead, it’s likely being cleared for a completely new, large-scale, and highly valuable redevelopment plan for Kuwait’s prime waterfront real estate. For the tenants, this means the decision is finalized and difficult to challenge.
Don’t worry about the fish and the yachts
Good news for two very important parts of the community: not everything at Souq Sharq is closing down. The eviction specifically targets the commercial and retail section of the mall.You can still count on these two essential parts of the complex remaining open:
- The Fish Market (سوق السمك): All seafood sales and associated operations are safe.
- The Yacht Marinas (مراسي اليخوت): Boat docking and marine services will continue as usual.
So, while the commercial heart of the complex is being emptied, the core services tied to Kuwait’s sea-going life will stay put.
The hard move
For the shop owners and investors, the next few months will be challenging. They now face the daunting task of planning a complete exit from a major commercial space, including finding new locations, dealing with inventory, and managing staff transitions—all within a tight, state-mandated time frame.While the Ministry of Finance has yet to reveal its exact plans for the cleared space, the message for the tenants is urgent: The clock is ticking down to January 31, 2026. Go to Source
